Public Guardianship Program Receives Vital Investment for the Protection of Vulnerable Citizens

Peace successfully secured much needed funding for the adults who need assistance with legal and medical decisions adding protection and improved quality of life for them.   Central Virginia – During the 2015 Session, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), successfully championed a budget request which directs funding for Virginia’s Guardianship Program which helps indigent and incapacitated adults that need assistance with legal and medical decisions.  This program will assist residents of the 97^th District and others across Commonwealth.

The program is administered by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and currently serves 600 people statewide.  Currently there is an unmet need of about 900 unserved people waiting for assistance, particularly in underserved areas of the state such as southern and southwest Virginia.

This funding will allow 100 individuals to be served across 16 counties not currently served. New Kent County is also one of the unserved jurisdictions. Public Guardians are the guardians of last resort who assist individuals with critical health decisions.  These newly added funds will be used to fix these shortfalls in services and response.  Guardianship adds protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and also makes sure that seniors will get the assistance needed to improve the quality of life.

From a recent letter to Peace, Lisa G. Furr, President of the Virginia Coalition for Prevention of Elder Abuse states, “On behalf of the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, I write to thank you for your budget amendment for Virginia’s Public Guardianship Program, and for your advocacy in getting this item into the final budget.”

Speaking to this legislative success, Peace stated “Programs that increase the quality and life of our elderly, indigent, incapacitated, and aging citizens are important to our community and the quality of life of its citizens. When we talk about compassionate conservatism, this is what it looks like.”

According to their website, the VCPEA (Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse) is a coalition of individuals and organizations working through public awareness, advocacy, and education to assure older Virginians a life free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. For more information please visit their website at: www.vcpea.org

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

Brain Injury Association of Virginia Gets Needed Boost

Del. Peace successfully secured funding for much needed improvements for the delivery of services to individuals with severe brain injuries Central Virginia- During the 2015 General Assembly session, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), successfully patroned budget language which directs funding for community based brain injury services to residents of the 97^th District and across the Commonwealth.

Successful budget language requires the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental services to include stakeholders from the acquired brain injury community in their redesign process of the Medicaid waivers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Additionally, funding was allocated to increase support for programs providing brain injury services through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Speaking to this important matter in a recent letter to Peace, Anne McDonnell, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia stated, “I cannot fully appreciate the difficult choices you and your Health and Human Resources subcommittee colleagues had to make, but I am confident the decisions were made with great care.  Your willingness to serve the citizens of Virginia with integrity and stewardship is greatly appreciated.”

According to their website, the mission of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) is a chartered state affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America, and together we are “The Voice of Brain Injury through Help, Hope & Healing.”  For more information or to access services please visit:  http://www.biav.net/

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

Pamunkey Regional Jail Authority Secures Needed Funds in State Budget

Del. Peace successfully secured the funding for much needed improvements due to overcrowding

Central Virginia- The Pamunkey Regional Jail Authority which is responsible for management of the local regional jail near Hanover Courthouse faced an uncertain financial future regarding construction work approved to increase bed space at the facility which serves Caroline and Hanover. Specifically, the conversion of recreation area to dormitory beds is needed to relieve overcrowding but the cost for that reimbursement was of equal import. Authority representatives and Hanover County requested budget support this session from Delegate Chris Peace (97th District) for this important public safety project.

Peace responded to this request by filing an amendment to the state budget to secure funds to reimburse 50% of the eligible costs for the Pamunkey Regional Jail (PRJ) Authority. The amendment was approved and adopted on February 26, 2015 by a 95-5 vote wind authorizes that reimbursement of $288,575.

Speaking to the funding, Hanover County Sheriff, Colonel David R. Hines, states, “This project not only ensures that the facility continues to provide a safe and secure environment for the staff and inmates, it maintains cost saving measures by repurposing space to meet existing and future needs. I am thankful for the leadership team at Pamunkey Regional Jail and Delegate Chris Peace for ensuring the Jail continues to provide services not only to Hanover, Caroline, and the Town of Ashland, but throughout the Commonwealth.”

Regional jails such as PRJ often house inmates that are eligible to be incarcerated at facilities run by the Department of Corrections. Said another way, local jails are housing state inmates at a discount to the state. At least 60 inmates per day are housed at PRJ who would normally be transferred to a Dept. of Corrections facility (if there was space available at one). The expectation is that number is likely to go up, especially as the Dept. of Corrections continues to face declining budgets and reduced funds for future expansion.

“I am proud to have been able to work with my House colleagues to facilitate reimbursement of close to $300,000 to an important part of Hanover's public safety infrastructure for improvements to the jail. As a strong supporter of our law enforcement community I am glad to be called a friend of public safety in the Commonwealth.”

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

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Statement of Del. Chris Peace on Merits of Monitoring Industrial Waste

Over the last year, one of the issues most concerning to my constituents in Hanover, King William, and New Kent counties has been the recently approved permit to authorize the land application of industrial residual waste, which is comprised of natural animal wastes and pulp or paper by-product. As I have taken a close look at this issue, I crafted a solution that responds to those concerns, addresses negative environmental impacts, and keeps the burden away from local taxpayers. Among the legislation I filed this session was a measure prohibiting the use of this material in our district notwithstanding the approved state permit (HB1363). In addition, I filed legislation to empower localities whose leaders were likewise rightly concerned with the ability to employ a monitoring program- paid for by the producer of the waste, not taxpayers- similar to existing programs that monitor and test bio-solid waste (HB1364). I encourage a careful reading of the legislation This judiciously crafted legislation was strongly embraced by local county attorneys, local elected leaders and ultimately leading statewide environmental organizations such as the League of Conservation Voters and the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. With funding provided and a mechanism to stop the application of industrial waste, the unanimous appeal of this legislation was clear. Localities and individuals across the Commonwealth will benefit greatly from this legislation that finally enables a push back against the land application of such materials. Unfortunately false and misleading information has recently been published by a citizens group suggesting that the very legislation which they once stood and supported now has untoward consequences. What is most amazing is that none of those who are now concerned have had the courtesy to speak with me in person or testify in committee about the same. Instead some have sought to surreptitiously work back channels to attain opinions of the Attorney General (OAG) in hopes that he would issue an opinion in their favor. Unfortunately for their extreme and erroneous anxiety, the OAG stated that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) had all the authority it needed to lawfully approve the land application of waste back in December. So one can conclude objectively that these recent arguments have no foundation in truth, logic and fall victim to the time honored admonition to legislators that they should have “read the bill."

You may ask why I am choosing to dignify this effort of bloggers and other activists with a response. The truth is that I am compelled to because I believe in my personal honor and the truth. Just like I denounced slanderous yellow signs falsely alleging my position on Medicaid expansion I similarly write in response to an less-than honest article based on crack reporting of an anonymous memorandum written by a so-called “Environmental Law Group.” This frivolous memo asserts that the Commonwealth’s DEQ has no authority under existing law to permit the land application of industrial sludge as fertilizer. The memo further suggests that legislation sponsored by Senator Rosalyn Dance in the Senate and by me in the House to authorize local governments to test and monitor the land application of industrial sludge would, somehow, grant authority to DEQ to permit the land application. Unfortunately, however, this memorandum ignores existing Virginia statutes, case law and reality. You cannot grant a power to an entity that it already enjoys.

Virginia Code Section 62.1-44.15, originally enacted in 1970, authorizes the State Water Control Board and DEQ to regulate and require permits for industrial wastes.  Pursuant to this authority, the Board and DEQ have been regulating and issuing permits for the land application as fertilizer of industrial residuals from several food and paper producers in the state.  DEQ has applied essentially the same testing and monitoring requirements for this industrial sludge as it has used for the land application of “biosolids” which are the residuals from sewage treatment plants

The Virginia Supreme Court ruled in 2001 that local governments cannot enact general ordinances or zoning ordinances which would prohibit or render impracticable the use of biosolids as fertilizers when it is permitted by the state. Blanton v. Amelia County, 261 Va. 55 (2001).  There are two federal district court decisions from the same time period that are in accord. Synagro-Wwt, Inc v. Louisa County, 2001 U.S. Dist.., Lexis 10987 and O’Brien v. Appomattox County, 293 F.Supp. 2d 660 (2003).  There is no basis for arguing, thinking or hoping that the result would be different for the land application of industrial sludge as fertilizer.

In spite of this minority viewpoint of our legislative efforts, I remain committed to constituent concerns that not enough is known about the long term environmental impacts of the land application of industrial waste. To that end, I am also a co-patron of HJ 506 which requires a detailed and specific scientific study, by agencies other than DEQ, of the long term impacts of the land application of both biosolids and industrial sludge.  The bill to prohibit land application of industrial waste in the three counties I represent unfortunately failed in committee.  The other two bills passed both Houses of the General Assembly and will go to the Governor for signature. In light of the previously approved permit, this result is the best possible. For anyone to suggest that we should not monitor something already state approved to be applied to land is uninformed at best and insincere at worst. This issue is important for all Virginians, and it deserves to be reported responsibly. Rolling Stone proves that you should always consider the source.

Delegate Peace Highlights Legislative & District Focused Successes at Session’s “Half-time” 2015

Central Virginia -- Returning to the Capitol Friday from cutting the ribbon on a new DMV-Select service which the Delegate brought to New Kent County for its residents, Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-97th House District) reports on several legislative and district related successes that have occurred this Session. Officially termed, “Crossover,” which reflects the mid-point of the legislative session, several items on Del. Peace’s legislative agenda passed the House and will now be heard in the Senate. After over a year of concern arising from the direct application of industrial sludge to lands in his legislative district, Peace successfully navigated House Bill (HB) 1364 through the House unanimously to allow local governments authority for testing and monitoring applied industrial sludge. Nothing in this legislation adds to or removes the existing authority of the Department of Environmental Quality to issue permits regarding the waters and adjacent lands of the Commonwealth. The program is built upon the existing monitoring practice for biosolid application. “Residents of our District deserve the assurance that this practice is managed in a safe manner and further monitored for potential negative environmental impact,” stated Peace.

It is no secret that New Kent County has suffered financial loss from the failure of the Virginia Racing Commission, Colonial Downs and the leading horsemen’s groups to contract and hold live thoroughbred racing at Colonial Downs in 2014. For the better part of a year, Peace has been working hard on behalf New Kent residents to return horse racing in the Commonwealth. In addition to petitioning the Attorney General, pleading with the Commission, and convening numerous stakeholder meetings over recent months, Peace is pleased to report that House Bill 1826, which he co-sponsored, revises the Virginia horse racing statutes and financial distributions after Colonial Downs' surrender of its unlimited license to own and operate the racetrack in New Kent County and the nine satellite facilities (OTBs) in Virginia. “Colonial Downs was a major revenue source for New Kent County. Working toward resolution of this matter will have a positive impact upon the county and residents,” said Peace. Peace successfully amended the legislation to provide a hold harmless provision for the County which will work to restore the framework for revenues to return to county coffers. The Tidewater Review, a local newspaper, published an article describing the lengths to which Delegate Peace went to secure New Kent’s interests: “Peace pushed the New Kent perspective into the legislative process. He collaborated with Scott on Scott’s original bill, which was used as a vehicle in the House for the compromise. Peace and Scott amended the original bill to protect New Kent’s financial interest in the track. Peace said ‘New Kent needs to be more than an afterthought.’”

Public safety and local law enforcement remains a top priority for Delegate Peace who successfully patroned a budget amendment on behalf of Hanover County to provide a small amount of funding for the Pamunkey Regional Jail Authority, which serves Caroline and Hanover counties. The funds will be used for capital cost reimbursement for the conversion of a recreation area to dormitory beds needed to relieve overcrowding. Additionally, Peace also successfully passed House Bill 2092, which is the by-product of a year-long crime commission study to improve standards for Virginia's sexual assault & domestic violence victim support, intervention and prevention services. This report and subsequent legislative initiative began with his legislation last year (House Bill 885, 2014) to increase compensation for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence well before the Ray Rice / NFL scandal.

Another follow-up to legislation of previous years came this week as well. Superintendent Jamelle Wilson alerted Delegate Peace that Hanover County received a $100,000 planning grant for enhancing its current career and technical educational (CTE) offerings through a Governor’s School summer program. Delegate Peace passed budget language last year as a companion to his 2014 bill (House Bill 887) to establish a new CTE Governor’s School. It is anticipated that this effort will produce an excellent and enhanced offering for talented students in the Richmond region.

In an effort to further protect the youth of our communities, House Bill 2082 is a measure to grant civil immunity by extending current Good Samaritan laws to individuals who forcibly enter a motor vehicle to remove an unattended minor at risk of serious bodily injury or death, provided the person has attempted to contact emergency personnel prior to such entry. The bill passed with unanimous support. Speaking its passage, Delegate Peace asserted, “There have been too many preventable tragedies in our area due to small children being left in hot cars. I am enthusiastic about the early success of this measure to make our community a safer place for children. I will continue to work to make the 97th District and the Commonwealth the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

Peace Statement on Support of Veteran and Law Enforcement 2015 Legislative Agendas

Delegate Chris Peace is proud to highlight his strong voting record supporting veteran and law enforcement priorities. Delegate Peace voted in support of 100% of the 2015 legislation championed by the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Services Organizations (JLC), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and the Board of Veterans Services (BVS). Delegate Peace co-sponsored legislation to provide for two new Veterans Care Centers where there are higher volumes of veterans in need of care in Hampton Roads (HB 1275) and Northern Virginia (HB 1276). He also co-sponsored HB 1641, a measure to require that all agencies in the executive branch of state government and all public institutions of higher education shall be certified in accordance with the Department of Veterans Services as part of its Virginia Values Veterans Program. Del. Peace, having been named Rookie of the Year by the Virginia State Police, has always supported law enforcement.

Priorities of the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police (VFOP) included HB 1606, a bill which defines "private police department" as any police department that employs private police officers operated by an entity authorized by statute or an act of assembly to establish a private police department.

The 2010 Appropriations Act established the Line of Duty Act (LODA) Fund with the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) as the investment manager. The LODA Fund provides a funding source for Line of Duty Act benefits that cover certain hazardous duty personnel who are paid or who volunteer. Peace voted in support of HB 2204, a measure to amend LODA to protect all public safety personal with benefits. The measure passed the House by a vote of 100-0.

“Delegate Chris Peace has a strong legislative voting record of supporting VFOP initiatives. I am glad to call him a friend of public safety and law enforcement in the Commonwealth,” asserted former VFOP State President, Marty Williams.

Delegate Peace has been recognized for his support of military and veterans issues by Veterans of Foreign Wars of America and has previously been named Legislative Rookie of the Year by the Virginia Sheriff’s Association also in recognition of his strong legislative voting record in support of law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth.

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

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House of Delegates Set to Pass Bill To Prohibit Common Core Standards in Virginia

House Bill 1752's co-sponsor, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover), reports that the measure is set to pass the House on Monday, February 9th. HB 1752 is a measure to prohibit the Board of Education from replacing the educational objectives known as the Standards of Learning with Common Core State Standards without the prior approval of the General Assembly. HB 1752 would proceed to the Senate of Virginia where a similar bill is under consideration. “I am a sponsor of this legislation to ensure Virginia continues to set high educational standards in K-12, not cede a classroom to national progressives, and maintain a Virginia-based system of accountability and curricula," said Del. Peace.

The standards originally developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Reviewing various states’ standards compared them with the Common Core, the new benchmarks don't measure up to Virginia's well established standards already in place.

Link to the bill language: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+ful+HB1752H1

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

Measure to Save Children from Dangers of Overheated Cars Passes House of Delegates

Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) announces the passage of House Bill (HB) 2082, a measure to grant civil immunity, and extend current Good Samaritan laws to individuals who forcibly enter a motor vehicle to remove an unattended minor at risk of serious bodily injury or death, provided the person has attempted to contact emergency personnel prior to such entry. This measure passed the House of Delegates unanimously by a vote of 98-0 on February 3, 2015. HB 2082 will be heard before the Senate. Speaking to the passage of this bill, Delegate Peace asserted, “There have been too many preventable tragedies in our area due to small children being left in hot cars. I am enthusiastic about the early success of this measure to make our community a safer place for children. I will continue to work to make the 97th District and the Commonwealth the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

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Charles Parker, Chickahominy Middle School Student, Shadows Delegate Chris Peace today

Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was delighted to host Chickahominy Middle School student Charles Parker at the General Assembly today. Charles spent the day immersed in the legislative process, including hearing committee meetings, sitting in the gallery during floor session, and attending constituent meetings with Delegate Peace. Charles usually spends his free time participating in youth group activities with Shady Grove Methodist Church. On spending his day at the General Assembly, Charles said, “I am excited to spend time with Delegate Peace learning about state government and see what I’m learning in Civics class first hand.”

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution, and promoting job creation and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William, and New Kent counties.

Peace Leads Coalition to Protect Community Health against Potential Negative Effects of Industrial Sludge

-- HB 1364, Monitoring Bill Passes Unanimously in the House of Delegates ---- Measure provides for local control and resources for testing and monitoring of these industrial waste residuals, also known as “industrial sludge”--

Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R -97th House District) reports the unanimous passage of House Bill (HB) 1364 by the House of Delegates today. HB 1364 will allow local governments to provide for greater testing and monitoring of the land application of industrial residual waste, receive funds for this enforcement, and remit the fee to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This program is built upon the existing monitoring practice for biosolids.

“We must guarantee the citizens of my District and the Commonwealth that land application of industrial sludge is safe and monitored for potential on-going environmental impacts. The 97th District is a rural area with sensitive natural resources and an aquifer that must be protected. We are also a community with a strong farming heritage. Many residents depend on wells for water so it is vital that we take measures to protect our water resources including surface water and wells from contaminates that are applied to the surface,” asserted Peace.

Unfortunately, Peace’s HB 1363 legislation to place a moratorium on industrial residuals application failed to be reported from the House Agriculture subcommittee to which it was assigned despite having a motion to advance the bill. Peace said “While I am disappointed that my legislation to place a moratorium on the application of industrial residuals failed, I am confident that local governments can successfully establish the process to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of residents and our community.”

HJ 516, patroned by Del. Buddy Fowler, which would have directed the Department of Environmental Quality to study the long-term effects of the storage and land application of industrial wastes and sewage sludge on public health, residential wells, and surface and ground water, also failed to report from committee.

Del. Ware’s bill, HJ 506, to direct the Department of Environmental Quality to study the long-term effects of the storage and land application of industrial wastes and sewage sludge on public health, residential wells, and surface and ground water reported from subcommittee by a vote of 4-0 and will be heard by the full committee.

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution and promoting job creating and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William, and New Kent counties.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace excited to Announce Support from Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation

Delegate Christopher K Peace (R-Hanover) was glad to see that the Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation has included their support of three pieces of his legislation for the 2015 Session on their legislative priorities. Peace’s bills included are House Bill (HB) 1363, HB 1364, and HB 2081. HB 1363 would make it unlawful to apply industrial wastes to land located in the County of Hanover, King William, or New Kent. It places a complete moratorium on the practice.

HB 1364 allows localities to adopt ordinances that provide for the testing and monitoring of the land application of industrial wastes. The bill requires the State Water Control Board (the Board) to adopt emergency regulations, requiring persons that land apply industrial wastes to collect a fee from the generator of the industrial wastes and remit the fee to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The fee cannot exceed the direct costs to localities of testing and monitoring the land application of industrial wastes. The bill requires the Board's regulations to include procedures for (i) collection of the fees by DEQ, (ii) deposit of the collected fees into the Sludge Management Fund (the Fund), and (iii) disbursements from the Fund to localities for the testing and monitoring of the industrial wastes.

HB 2081 prohibits an employer from requiring, requesting, or causing a current or prospective employee to disclose the username and password to the current or prospective employee's social media account. The measure also prohibits an employer from (i) requiring an employee to add an employee, a supervisor, or an administrator to the list or contacts associated with the employee's social media account or (ii) changing the privacy settings associated with the employee's social media account.

Speaking about the support Peace said, “It is great that the Tea Party has chosen to support these measures, especially measures that are concerned with the health of constituents.”

Delegate Christopher K. Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values, defending the Constitution and promoting job creating and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William, and New Kent Counties.

Watch Delegate Peace on VCTA Cable Reports Hanover Edition

Peace RTD Sunday Commentary: Governor's spending exceeds his powers

Click to read Delegate Peace's RTD Sunday Commentary:  Governor's spending exceeds his powers

Stonewall Jackson Student Shadows Delegate Peace

Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) was delighted to host Stonewall Jackson Middle School student Lauren Schenack at the General Assembly today. Lauren spent the day getting a first-hand view of the legislative process, including attending committee meetings, floor session, and other activities with Delegate Peace. As a past volunteer for the office, Lauren said “I am excited to spend my day off of school learning more about the legislature.” Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia's most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution and promoting job creating and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

97th District Hanover Students Chosen to Serve as House Pages

Central Virginia- On January 14, Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) welcomed Madeline Atkinson and Nicholas Brown to service as Pages in the Virginia House of Delegates during the 2015 General Assembly session. Madeline Atkinson is an 8th grader at Oak Knoll Middle School. Her favorite class in school is math. Outside of school she enjoys running, swimming, being a Girl Scout, and attending youth group at church.

As for being chosen to represent the 97th District, Madeline mentioned, “I will miss my family the most while I’m working. I will also miss my cat and dog.”

Nicholas Brown is an 8th grade student at Stonewall Jackson Middle School. He enjoys civics. Playing soccer is his favorite extracurricular activity.

As for being chosen to represent the 97th District, Nicholas mentioned, “I will miss my beagle Sam, and my sister Mallory while I’m working at the General Assembly.”

“Nicholas and Madeline are smart young people with very bright futures,” said Peace. “I want to give them every opportunity to have this once in a lifetime experience. With a few members who were once pages, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the legislature one day.”

Each year the Speaker of the House of Delegate appoints 13 and 14 year-old youth from across the Commonwealth to serve as House pages during the regular session of the General Assembly. These young people assist the members of the House of Delegates, the House clerk’s staff, and other legislative staff in the daily duties required for the successful operation of the House of Delegates during the session.

The page workday begins promptly as 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. A lunch break is provided. There is no weekend work except for the last Saturday of session. Pages collate bills for filing, deliver legislation and documents throughout the Capitol complex, and perform a=errands for members and staff of the House of Delegates during each day’s floor session and at committee meetings. Pages are also selected for assignments in specific House offices including the Speaker’s Office, the Clerk’s Office, the Enrolling Room, the Bill Room, the Fax Center and the Governor’s Office. Pages are trained for these assignments during the first two days of their employment. Every effort is made to provide each page with a variety of work assignments. All work assignments are important to the legislative process and should be performed in a professional manner.

While at work pages are under the supervision of the Clerk and Executive Assistant to the Clerk, the Page Coordinator and Assistant Page Coordinator, and two Head Pages who served as pages the previous year. After work pages have approximately two hours of unsupervised free time from 5:p.m. until 7:00 p.m. reserved for eating dinner. It is mandatory that all pages reside at the hotel. There are two chaperons on duty at the hotel from 5:p.m. until 8:30 a.m. each day, Sunday through Friday.

A mandatory study hall is held at the hotel every Monday through Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Certified teachers supervise the pages and help individual students as needed. Pages are responsible for arranging with their schools and teachers the preferred method of taking tests and exams. For more information or to apply for future sessions, visit:

http://legis.virginia.gov/1_cap_class/stu_pro/sp_page_pro.html#House

Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia's most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution and promoting job creating and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William and New Kent counties.

Delegate Chris Peace Challenges McAuliffe’s Preferential Treatment of Controversial Labor Union

-- Peace to submit budget language to address the Governor’s pro-union issue -- Central Virginia- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) announced plans this week to introduce draft budget language that would address Governor McAuliffe’s preferential treatment of members of a controversial labor union in his 2015-2016 proposed budget amendments.

Governor McAuliffe’s proposed budget amendment would authorize overtime payment for up to 56 hours per week for consumer-directed (CD) personal assistance, respite, and companion services. McAuliffe’s proposal would pay members time and a half for every hour over 40 per week and potential cost taxpayers more.

The Governor’s proposal is not Medicaid reform but is expansion in another name. DMAS is the agency that administers Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in Virginia. The language proposed in Delegate Peace’s amendment would cap the hours Medicaid would pay for consumer directed services at 40-hours per week and prohibit the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) from serving as the employer of record.

Finally, Peace’s budget language would protect and hold the Commonwealth harmless while the federal courts resolve the Department of Labor’s authority to require overtime payments at all. Delegate Peace continues to oppose Medicaid expansion.

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his fifth term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. The District includes parts of Hanover, King William, and all of New Kent County.

Delegate Peace's 2015 Legislative Survey

It has been an honor and a privilege to work for the citizens of the 97th House District. Working together, we have accomplished many things for our community and our Commonwealth. As we begin the 2015 legislative session, I hope you will take a few moments to share with me your thoughts on some of the issues facing the General Assembly.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance. For questions or concerns, I may be reached at 804-698-1097 or via e-mail at delcpeace@house.virginia.gov

Click here to take Delegate Peace's 2015 Legislative Survey

Virginia Awarded $17.5 Million Federal Preschool Expansion Grant

Governor McAuliffe’s Office recently announced that Virginia’s application for a federal Preschool Development Grant was successful. Through the grant, the Commonwealth will receive $17.5 million, per year, for four years to provide a “VPI+” preschool program. This will include 100 new classrooms by the 4th year, and improved quality in 96 existing classrooms. As Chairman of the Virginia Commission on Youth, Delegate Peace said, “Virginia has a very strong K-12 education system, with great teachers and great students. But we have to continue to innovate and start early. Before children enroll in kindergarten, the gap begins to emerge for those who don’t have access to high-quality early childhood education. I believe that with strategic purpose, we can reduce these disparities much like we have reduced the number of children in foster care. The return is clear and will create long-term savings and sustainability. In September, I directed the Commission on Youth to send a letter of support for Virginia’s application for Federal Preschool Expansion Grant funds to HHS Secretary Burwell and DOE Secretary Duncan. I am proud that our Commission on Youth was able to be yet a small part of supporting the effort to secure grant funds.”

COY Letter of Support

Peace Sends Letter to AG Herring asking for Virginia to join Lawsuit Against Presidential Immigration Policy

Delegate Chris Peace Announces Legislation to Restrict Applications of and Provide for Greater Local Control of Industrial Sludge

-- Measures include a proposed moratorium on the application of industrial residual waste material in the 97th District which includes Hanover, King William and New Kent Counties in addition to additional local control and reimbursement for testing and monitoring of these waste residuals, commonly known as “industrial sludge”-- Mechanicsville, Virginia - The General Assembly will start its 396th Session on January 14, 2015, with legislators likely considering over 2,000 introduced bills and resolutions running the gamut of issues.  Delegate Christopher K. Peace’s (R, 97th House District) unveiled the first part of his 2015 legislative package which will start with a focus on an issue of great importance to residents of the counties he represents

Delegate Peace has drafted and will file legislation which will place a moratorium on the future application of industrial residual materials, also known as “industrial sludge,” to farm land in Hanover, King William, and New Kent counties. Industrial sludge material is commonly mistaken for biosolids, which are nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility and commonly used by the farming community. Created through the treatment of domestic wastewater generated from sewage treatment facilities, biosolids, when treated and processed, can be recycled and applied as fertilizer to improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth.  However, industrial “sludge” even when treated to reduce pollutants can still contain heavy metals and germs. Industrial sludge can contain heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and lead, which are linked to health problems including cancer, brain damage and nervous system disorders.  “Many critics say it can pose a threat to people, streams and wells. And I share their concern. It is my hope that this announcement will likewise cause the State Water Control Board to carefully proceed,” said Del. Peace. The announcement of this issue is considered timely because in an upcoming meeting the State Water Control Board will vote on an application by Synagro to apply industrial residual waste on land in his district

“We must guarantee the citizens of my District and the Commonwealth that land application of industrial sludge is safe and monitored for on-going environmental impact.  The 97th District is a rural area with sensitive natural resources and an aquifer that must be protected.  A large portion of the district is in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area with its primary water source being groundwater.  Furthermore, many residents depend on wells for water so it is vital that we take measures to protect our water resources including surface water and wells from contaminates that are applied to the surface,” asserted Peace.  Delegate Peace believes that there are other legislators from the regions of the piedmont and middle peninsula who will also be considering legislation in response to growing concerns about the application of these industrial residuals from local governments. Local representatives are requesting that further study of the impact of application of industrial waste be conducted and have called for additional testing and monitoring.  Studies will likely review all available science on this issue including but not limited to a 2007 study issued by the Virginia Department of Health titled “ Health Effects of Biosolids Applied to Land: Available Scientific Evidence.”

Another bill to be patroned by Peace would allow all local governments to adopt ordinances to provide for the testing and monitoring of the land application of industrial residual waste and receive reimbursement for this enforcement.  This legislation would require the State Water Control Board to adopt emergency regulations, requiring persons that apply industrial residual wastes to private land to collect a fee from the producer of the industrial wastes and remit the fee to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  The fee cannot exceed the direct costs to localities for testing and monitoring of land application of industrial wastes. The bill would require the Board's regulations to include procedures for (i) collection of the fees by DEQ, (ii) deposit of the collected fees into the Sludge Management Fund, and (iii) disbursements from the Fund to localities for the testing and monitoring of the industrial wastes.

Peace continued, “I look forward to the 2015 General Assembly Session and am ready to continue to work in service to the residents of the 97th District and the Commonwealth.” Additional components of Delegate Peace’s legislative package will be announced as the 2015 Session nears. Please follow the Delegate on Facebook, Twitter (@DelCPeace) and at www.chrispeace.com

Delegate Christopher K. Peace was elected to his fifth term representing the 97th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.  The District includes parts of Hanover, King William, and all of New Kent County.

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